What is considered a normal APGAR score for a newborn?

A normal APGAR score for a newborn ranges from 7 to 10. The APGAR score is a quick assessment performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate a newborn's physical condition and determine any immediate need for extra medical care. The score includes five criteria: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace response (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration (breathing effort). Each criterion is rated from 0 to 2, with the total score indicating the overall health of the newborn.

Scores in the range of 7 to 10 suggest that the newborn is in good health and does not require immediate medical intervention. Scores below this range indicate potential health issues requiring further evaluation and intervention. Therefore, a score of 7 to 10 is deemed normal, while other ranges suggest varying levels of distress or need for medical attention.